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EP2466181B1 - Coupleur de fluide - Google Patents

Coupleur de fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2466181B1
EP2466181B1 EP10194960.0A EP10194960A EP2466181B1 EP 2466181 B1 EP2466181 B1 EP 2466181B1 EP 10194960 A EP10194960 A EP 10194960A EP 2466181 B1 EP2466181 B1 EP 2466181B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector member
piston
connector
fluid
fluid coupler
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP10194960.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2466181A1 (fr
Inventor
Dirk Jacobus Luyendijk
Eduard Cornelis Maria Henricus C. van Amelsfoort
Holger Jongebloed
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Caterpillar Work Tools BV
Original Assignee
Caterpillar Work Tools BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Caterpillar Work Tools BV filed Critical Caterpillar Work Tools BV
Priority to EP10194960.0A priority Critical patent/EP2466181B1/fr
Priority to EP11171788.0A priority patent/EP2466182B1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2011/072548 priority patent/WO2012080213A1/fr
Priority to CN201180065469.8A priority patent/CN103314243B/zh
Priority to US13/989,767 priority patent/US20140096355A1/en
Publication of EP2466181A1 publication Critical patent/EP2466181A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2466181B1 publication Critical patent/EP2466181B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L21/00—Joints with sleeve or socket
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L17/00—Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure
    • F16L17/06—Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure with sealing rings arranged between the end surfaces of the pipes or flanges or arranged in recesses in the pipe ends or flanges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L39/00—Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a device and a method for alignment of male and female fluidconnectors for engagement of these components, in particular for an engagement which allows for a displacement between the male and female fluidconnectors.
  • Conventional male and female fluidconnectors may be used to sealingly join pressurised fluid lines. When engaged, the corresponding fluidconnectors may automatically enable the fluid and/or fluid pressure to be transmitted, through a mutual passageway formed at engagement. These corresponding fluidconnectors may reliably maintain high fluid pressure after repeated engagement and disengagement operations.
  • the corresponding fluidconnectors may need to be suitably aligned before their engagement. Alignment of the fluidconnectors may be necessary in order to establish a reliable and leak free connection. Proper alignment of the corresponding connectors prior to engagement may also increase the service life of the components.
  • a fluidconnector may have to be aligned with high accuracy to avoid excessive wear of the internal components which may eventually result in a leaking connection.
  • the final alignment of the fluidconnectors during the engagement process may be critical since the connecting force may often be much higher compared to a manual connect system. Hence, any misalignment in combination with the high connecting force may cause a deterioration of the fluidconnectors.
  • a cause for fluidconnector misalignment may be changes in temperature.
  • a significant temperature difference may be present between a fluidconnector and a corresponding fluid connector. As a result of thermal material expansion, the fluidconnectors may no longer be aligned properly.
  • a series of fluidconnectors may be mounted in a mounting plate to ensure simultaneous engagement of the fluidconnectors for different hydraulic functions.
  • a mounting plate may be used on either one or on both of a coupling and plug side of the fluidconnector configuration.
  • the positions of corresponding fluidconnectors may be slightly misaligned. This misalignment may not be avoided without very accurate machining of the fluidconnectors, at very high cost.
  • misalignment may not be compensated until the fluidconnectors start to engage.
  • U.S. patent no. 4,709,726 discloses a hydraulic coupler for interconnecting subsea fluid lines and may have a metallic seal between the male and female portions.
  • the C-shaped metallic seal may be radially compressed between the female and male coupler bodies, so that axial movement between these bodies does not effect sealing effectiveness.
  • a floating retainer ring may be housed within the female body by a fixed retainer ring which may allow for radial misalignment between the coupling halves. The floating retainer ring may become centered with respect to the male coupling body.
  • a metallic face seal may provide sealing engagement between the floating and fixed retainers. Both axial and radial deviation between the coupling bodies may be permissible, so that the coupling may reliably seal fluid after repeated coupling and uncoupling operations.
  • the present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of the prior art couplers.
  • the present disclosure describes a fluid coupler for aligned engagement of fluid connectors according to claim 1.
  • the present disclosure describes a method of aligned engagement of fluid connectors according to claim 11.
  • This disclosure generally relates to the alignment of male and female fluidconnectors, supported in respective couplers, for engagement of these components and in particular an engagement which compensates for a misalignment between the male and female fluidconnectors.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a fluid coupler 10 which comprises a support member 12, a first connector member 14 and a piston member 16.
  • the first connector member 14 is housed in the support member 12.
  • the piston member 16 is axially slidable in the support member 12.
  • the support member 12 may comprise a cartridge 18 and a mounting plate 32.
  • the cartridge 18 and the mounting plate 32 may be mutually connected.
  • the cartridge 18 may be rigidly mounted to the mounting plate 32.
  • the cartridge 18 may have a configuration for engaging the mounting plate 32 and for accommodating the first connector member 14.
  • the cartridge 18 may be formed as a block and may have a first cartridge side 20 and a second cartridge side 22.
  • the first cartridge side 20 and the second cartridge side 22 may be parallel.
  • the first cartridge side 20 may be in contact with a surface of the mounting plate 32 when cartridge 18 and mounting plate 32 may be mutually connected.
  • the second cartridge side 22 may engage to a surface of a corresponding mounting plate of a corresponding coupler.
  • the cartridge 18 may include a channel 24.
  • the channel 24 may be annular and may extend through cartridge 18.
  • the channel 24 may have openings on the first cartridge side 20 and the second cartridge side 22.
  • the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 may be perpendicular to the first cartridge side 20 and the second cartridge side 22.
  • the first connector member 14 may be substantially or completely accommodated within the channel 24.
  • the edge of the opening of channel 24 at the second cartridge side 22 may be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 to form an inclined edge 26.
  • the inclined edge 26 may encircle the opening of the channel 24 at the second cartridge side 22.
  • the cartridge 18 may comprise a groove 30.
  • the groove 30 may be cut into the cartridge 18.
  • the groove 30 may be positioned at channel 24 such that a side opens to channel 24.
  • the groove 30 may be concentric with channel 24 and may be positioned at any point along the channel 24.
  • the groove 30 may be positioned adjacent the opening of the channel 24 at the second cartridge side 22.
  • the groove 30 may be positioned adjacent the inclined edge 26.
  • the cartridge 18 may comprise a plurality of grooves 30 at channel 24 such that each groove has a side that opens to channel 24.
  • the opening of the channel 24 at first cartridge side 20 may have an abutment edge 28.
  • the abutment edge 28 may be configured to engage the first connector member 14.
  • the abutment edge 28 may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
  • the abutment edge 28 may encircle the opening of channel 24 at first cartridge side 20.
  • abutment edge 28 may be disposed from the opening of channel 24 and within the channel 24.
  • the mounting plate 32 may be configured for engaging the cartridge 18 and for accommodating the first connector member 14.
  • the mounting plate 32 may be formed as a block and may have a first plate side 31 and a second plate side 33.
  • the first plate side 31 and the second plate side 33 may be parallel. In the fluid coupler 10, the first plate side 31 may contact the first cartridge side 20 of the cartridge 18.
  • the mounting plate 32 may include a through cavity which may be formed by an abutment chamber 34, a fluid chamber 36 and a fluid passage 35.
  • the cavity may have openings on the first plate side 31 and the second plate side 33.
  • the abutment chamber 34 may have an opening at the first plate side 31.
  • the fluid passage 35 may have an opening at the second plate side 33.
  • the opening of the abutment chamber 34, at the first plate side 31, may be greater than the opening of the fluid passage 35, at the second plate side 33.
  • each of the abutment chamber 34, the fluid chamber 36 and the fluid passage 35 may have an annular geometry.
  • the diameter of the abutment chamber 34 may be greater than the diameter of the fluid chamber 36 and diameter of the fluid passage 35.
  • the diameter of the fluid chamber 36 may be greater than diameter of the fluid passage 35.
  • the longitudinal axis of the cavity may be perpendicular to the first plate side 31 and the second plate side 33.
  • the longitudinal axis of the cavity may be continuous with the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 when the cartridge 18 is mounted to the mounting plate 32 to form a common longitudinal axis in the support member 12.
  • the abutment edge 28 may extend over the opening of the abutment chamber 34.
  • the abutment edge 28 may be substantially perpendicular to the enclosing wall of the abutment chamber 34.
  • An abutment ledge 37 may extend from the enclosing wall of the abutment chamber 34, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the mounting plate 32, into the cavity of the mounting plate 32. In the assembled support member 12, abutment ledge 37 may be opposite and substantially parallel to the abutment edge 28.
  • the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36 may extend further into the cavity of the mounting plate 32 than the enclosing wall of the abutment chamber 34.
  • a piston guide 38 may be formed on the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36.
  • the piston guide 38 may be a protrusion into the fluid chamber 36.
  • the piston guide 38 may be a convex protrusion with a flattened apex.
  • the piston guide 38 may be formed as a continuous ring on the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36 and may have a raised central portion and sloping sides inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the cavity in the mounting plate 32. The apex of the central raised portion of the piston guide 38 may be flattened.
  • a fluid chamber ledge 39 may extend from the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cavity in the mounting plate 32, into the cavity of the mounting plate 32.
  • the fluid chamber ledge 39 may be substantially parallel to the abutment ledge 37.
  • the enclosing wall of the fluid passage 35 may extend further into the cavity in the mounting plate 32 than the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36.
  • the abutment chamber 34 and channel 24 may be contiguous to mutually house the first connector member 14.
  • the first connector member 14 may comprise a fluidconnector 40 and a fluidconnector sleeve 42.
  • the fluidconnector sleeve 42 may be configured to receive fluidconnector 40.
  • the fluidconnector sleeve 42 may comprise a body portion 43 having a central axis.
  • the body portion 43 may include a compartment 44 which may be configured to receive and rigidly hold fluidconnector 40.
  • the compartment 44 may have an inlet 45 at an end.
  • the fluidconnector 40 may be inserted into the compartment 44 and extracted from the compartment through the inlet 45.
  • the fluidconnector 40 may be assembled into fluid coupler 10 and disassembled from the fluid coupler 10 without removing the fluidconnector sleeve 42.
  • the servicing and/ or replacement of the fluidconnector 40 may be performed through the extraction of only the fluidconnector 40.
  • the compartment 44 may have a treaded portion to rigidly mount the fluidconnector 40.
  • the body portion 43 of fluidconnector sleeve 42 may include a conduit 47 extending from the compartment 44 and along the direction of the central axis of the body portion 43.
  • the conduit 47 may extend to the end of the body portion 43 opposite the inlet 45.
  • the conduit 47 may have an opening at the end of the body portion 43 opposite the inlet 45.
  • the compartment 44 and the conduit 47 may form a continuos passage through the body portion 43.
  • a fluid channel in the fluidconnector 40 may be contiguous with the conduit 47 to form a continuos fluid passage through the first connector member 14.
  • the fluidconnector sleeve 42 may comprise a flange portion 46 at the end opposite inlet 45.
  • the flange portion 46 may extend in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis of the body portion 43 away from the conduit 47.
  • the flange portion 46 may be formed as a continuous ring around the body portion 43.
  • the flange portion 46 may be formed as a discontinuous ring around the body portion 43.
  • the flange portion 46 may have an abutment seat 48 formed at a side thereof.
  • the abutment seat 48 may be configured to engage the cartridge 18.
  • the body portion 43 and flange portion 46 may have a thrust surface 49 at the end opposite inlet 45.
  • the thrust surface 49 may be opposite and parallel to the abutment seat 48.
  • the thrust surface 49 may be transverse to the central axis of the body portion 43.
  • the conduit 47 of body portion 43 may have an opening at thrust surface 49.
  • the inner perimeter of the thrust surface 49 may delimit the opening of conduit 47.
  • the thrust surface 49 may be configured to engage a surface of the piston member 16.
  • the body portion 43 may have a bevelled edge 50 at the end provided with the inlet 45.
  • the bevelled edge 50 may be inclined toward the central axis of the body portion 43.
  • the bevelled edge 50 may form a ring around the body portion 43 adjacent the inlet 45.
  • the body portion 43 may comprise a slot 51.
  • the slot 51 may be cut into the thrust surface 49 of body portion 43.
  • the slot 51 may be positioned at thrust surface 49 such that a side has an opening at thrust surface 49.
  • the slot 51 may be concentric with conduit 47 and may be disposed at any position along the thrust surface 49 which may engage piston member 16.
  • the slot 51 may be positioned adjacent the inner perimeter of the thrust surface 49 which may delimit the opening of conduit 47.
  • the fluidconnector 40 and the fluidconnector sleeve 42 may be integral so that the first connector member 14 may be a monolithic structure.
  • the monolithic first connector member 14 may include the body portion 43.
  • the first connector member 14 is not mounted or joined to the support member 12.
  • the first connector member 14 is free to move within the channel 24 and the abutment chamber 34.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may comprise an alignment gap 52 between the support member 12 and the first connector member 14 for floating movement of the first connector member 14.
  • the alignment gap 52 may be formed by suitably configuring the body portion 43, flange 46, cartridge 18, mounting plate 32, channel 24 or the abutment chamber 34 or any combination thereof.
  • the dimension and/ or geometry of the body portion 43, flange 46, cartridge 18, mounting plate 32, channel 24 or the abutment chamber 34 may be suitably adapted to provide for the alignment gap 52.
  • the alignment gap 52 may enable a radial movement of the first connector member 14 relative to the support member 12.
  • First connector member 14 may be radially displaced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
  • the magnitude of displacement of first connector member 14 may be dependent on the alignment gap 52.
  • the angle between the central axis of the body portion 43 and the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 may remain constant.
  • the alignment gap 52 may enable a pivotal movement of the first connector member 14 relative to the support member 12.
  • First connector member 14 may be pivotably displaced at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
  • the magnitude of displacement of first connector member 14 may be dependent on the alignment gap 52.
  • the angle between the central axis of the body portion 43 and the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 may vary.
  • the alignment gap 52 may enable a combined pivotal and radial movement of the first connector member 14 relative to the support member 12.
  • First connector member 14 may be displaced at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 and may be displaced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
  • the magnitude of a combined pivotal and radial displacement of first connector member 14 may be dependent on the alignment gap 52.
  • the angle between the central axis of the body portion 43 and the longitudinal axis of the channel 24 may vary.
  • the body portion 43 of the fluidconnector sleeve 42 may be partly accommodated in the channel 24 and partly in the abutment chamber 34 of the mounting plate 32.
  • the movement of the body portion 43 in the support member 12 may be restricted by the enclosing wall of the channel 24.
  • the flange portion 46 may be accommodated in the abutment chamber 34.
  • the movement of the flange portion 46 in the support member 12 may be restricted by the abutment edge 28 of the cartridge 18 and the enclosing wall of the abutment chamber 34 and the abutment ledge 37.
  • the bevelled edge 50 of the body portion 43 and the inclined edge 26 of the channel 24 may have an angular spacing of about 20° ⁇ 30°.
  • the piston member 16 may comprise a piston conduit 53.
  • the piston conduit 53 may form a through fluid passage and may be centrally positioned in the piston member 16.
  • the piston conduit 53 may have an opening at a piston thrust surface 54 and an opening at a piston surface 55.
  • the piston thrust surface 54 and the piston surface 55 may be mutually opposite and parallel. Between and substantially perpendicular to the piston thrust surface 54 and the piston surface 55 may be a piston guide 56.
  • the piston guide 56 may have a piston inclined edge 57 adjacent to the piston surface 55.
  • the piston inclined edge 57 may be formed as a ring around the piston member 16.
  • the piston guide 56 may have a further inclined edge adjacent to the piston thrust surface 54. This further inclined edge may be formed as a ring around the piston member 16.
  • the piston guide 56 may comprise a piston groove 58.
  • the piston groove 58 may be cut into the piston guide 56.
  • the piston groove 58 may be positioned at the piston guide 56 such that a side has an opening piston guide 56.
  • the piston groove 58 may be disposed at any position along the piston guide 56 which may engage guide 38.
  • the piston member 16 may be mounted in the support member 12, within the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36 of the mounting plate 32.
  • the piston member 16 may be slidably engaged to the enclosing wall of the fluid chamber 36 and may move in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity in the mounting plate 32.
  • the guide 38 may engage to the piston guide 56.
  • the guide 38 and the piston guide 56 are configured to enable the piston member 16 to axially slide in the mounting plate 32.
  • the dimension and/ or geometry of the guide 38 and the piston guide 56 are suitably adapted to allow piston member 16 to axially slide in the mounting plate 32.
  • the piston member 16 may be positioned between the thrust surface 49 of the first fluidconnector member 14 and the fluid chamber ledge 39.
  • the axial movement of the piston member 16 may be restricted.
  • the piston member 16 may be restricted by the fluid chamber ledge 39 contacting the piston surface 55.
  • the piston member 16 may be restricted by piston thrust surface 54 contacting the thrust surface 49 of the first fluid connector 14 when the abutment seat 48 abuts the abutment edge 28 of the cartridge 18.
  • the piston member 16 may also be pivotable relative to the mounting plate 32.
  • the guide 38 and the piston guide 56 may be configured to enable the piston member 16 to pivot in the mounting plate 32.
  • the dimension and/ or geometry of the guide 38 and the piston guide 56 may be suitably adapted to allow piston member 16 to pivot in the mounting plate 32.
  • the piston member 16 may be actuatable under fluid pressure to slide axially in the guide 38 toward first connector member 14. The piston member 16 pushes the first connector member 14 into abutting engagement with the cartridge 18 of the support member 12.
  • the piston member 16 may eliminate the need to connect a fluid hose directly to the first connector member 14 thereby eliminating any reaction forces that may be introduced by the fluid hoses.
  • the fluid passage 35, conduit 47 and the piston conduit 53 may have the same diameters.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may comprise a compressible element 60 positioned in the groove 30.
  • the compressible element 60 may be positioned between the cartridge 18 of the support member 12 and the body portion 43 of the first connector member 14.
  • the compressible element 60 may be a flexible ring.
  • the compressible element 60 may be made from a compressive material such as nitrile rubber or polyurethane.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may comprise a plurality of compressible elements 60 positioned in a plurality of grooves 30.
  • the compressible element 60 may return the first connector member 14 to a neutral position after disengagement from a second connector member.
  • the compressible element 60 may return the first connector member 14 to the neutral position after disengagement of the fluidconnector 40 and a corresponding fluidconnector.
  • the neutral position of first connector member 14 may be the position prior to engagement of the fluidconnector 40 and a corresponding fluidconnector.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may comprise a thrust seal 62 positioned in the slot 51.
  • the compression of the thrust seal 62 may be positioned between the body portion 43 of the first connector member 14 and the piston thrust surface 54.
  • a movement of piston thrust surface 54 against the thrust surface 49 of the first connector member 14 may compress the thrust seal 62.
  • the thrust seal 62 may ensure that a fluid does not leak from between the piston member 16 and the first connector member 14 into the abutment chamber 34.
  • the thrust seal 62 may be an O-ring.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may comprise a piston seal 64 positioned in the piston groove 58.
  • the piston seal 64 may be positioned between the guide 38 and the piston member 16.
  • the piston seal 64 may ensure that a fluid does not leak from between the piston member 16 and the guide 38 into the abutment chamber 34.
  • the piston seal 64 may also be configured to allow a pivotal movement of the piston member 16.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a fluid coupler 10 aligned to a corresponding fluid coupler 70.
  • the corresponding fluid coupler 70 may comprise a corresponding cartridge 72 and a second fluidconnector member 74.
  • the second fluidconnector member 74 may comprise a corresponding fluidconnector 76 and a sliding sleeve 78.
  • Fluidconnector 40 may be suitably formed to engage with the corresponding fluidconnector 76.
  • the fluidconnector 40 and the corresponding fluidconnector 76 may be configured for detachable reciprocal engagement.
  • the engagement surfaces of the fluidconnector 40 and corresponding fluidconnector 76 may be formed to allow efficient engagement and disengagement in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fluidconnector 40 and corresponding fluidconnector 76.
  • the fluidconnector 40 may be a male fluidconnector while corresponding fluidconnector 76 may be a female fluidconnector.
  • the fluidconnector 40 may be a female fluidconnector while corresponding fluidconnector 76 may be a male fluidconnector.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a fluid coupler 10 which may comprise a support member 12, a plurality of first connector members 14 and a plurality of piston members 16.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may further comprise guiding pins 80.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may be mounted in a mounting bracket for engagement to corresponding fluid coupler 70.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the corresponding coupler 70 which may have a corresponding cartridge 72 and a plurality of second fluidconnector members 74 and a plurality of corresponding fluidconnectors 76.
  • the corresponding fluid coupler 70 may further comprise guiding bushings 82.
  • the corresponding fluid coupler 70 may be mounted in a quick coupler for engagement to the fluid coupler 10.
  • Figs. 5a ⁇ 5c illustrate the guiding pin 80 of a fluid coupler 10 and the guiding bushing 82 of the corresponding coupler 70 at various stages of engagement.
  • the guiding pin 80 and guiding bushing 82 may be aligned when the fluid coupler 10 is mounted in a mounting bracket and the corresponding fluid coupler 70 is mounted in a quick coupler.
  • the guiding pin 80 and guiding bushing 82 may initiate engagement.
  • the guiding pin 80 and guiding bushing 82 may be engaged.
  • the first connector member 14 and the second connector member 74 may initiate engagement after the guiding pin 80 and guiding bushing 82 may be engaged.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may be mounted in a mounting bracket and the corresponding fluid coupler 70 may be mounted in a quick coupler for a reciprocal engagement. There may be a rough alignment between the quickcoupler and mounting bracket. The quickcoupler and mounting bracket may be locked after being positioned correctly by means of a locking member.
  • the corresponding mounting plate 84 with the second connector members 74 may move towards the first connector members 14.
  • the guiding pins 80 on the fluid coupler 10 may align with the guiding bushing 82 in the corresponding coupler 70 and may initiate engagement. After engagement of the guiding pins 80 and the guiding bushing 82 the engagement of the first and second connector members 14, 74 may commence.
  • a method of aligned engagement of a fluidconnector 40 and a corresponding fluidconnector 76 may involve providing a floating first connector member 14 housed in a support member 12, engaging the first connector member 14 to a second connector member 74, and pressurising a fluid circuit to axially slide a piston member 16 in the support member 12.
  • the first connector member 14 may be radially and/or pivotably displaced.
  • the radial and/or pivotal displacement of the first connector member 14 may allow for a smooth and efficient engagement of the first connector member 14 to the second connector member 74.
  • the piston member 16 may also be pivotally displaced.
  • the piston member 16 may be pivotally displaced in unison with a pivotal displacement of the first connector member 14.
  • the pivotal displacement of the piston member 16 may allow for the thrust surface 49 of the first connector member 14 to remain in parallel with the piston thrust surface 54.
  • the fluid coupler is not under fluid pressure.
  • the fluid circuit is pressurised.
  • the pressurised fluid may flow into the fluid chamber 36 through the fluid passage 35.
  • the flow of pressurised fluid pushes the piston member 16 to slide axially in the guide 38.
  • the piston member 16 may be forced by the pressurised fluid into pushing contact with the first connector member 14.
  • the piston member 16 pushing on the first connector member 14 may compress a thrust seal 62 disposed between the piston member 16 and the first connector member 14.
  • the first connector member 14 may be pushed into abutting engagement with the cartridge 18 of the support member 12. In this abutting engagement, the first connector member 14 may not be radially and/ or pivotably displaced.
  • the first connector member 14 may be stably held against the cartridge 18 through the force of the pressurised fluid.
  • the fluid circuit Prior to disengagement, the fluid circuit is depressurised which may allow the first connector member 14 to be radially and/ or pivotably displaced. Subsequently, the first connector member 14 and the second connector member 74 may be disengaged. The compressible element 60 may return the first connector member 14 to a neutral position after disengagement from the second connector member 74.
  • This disclosure describes a fluid coupler 10 for aligning male and female fluidconnectors during reciprocal engagement.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may align hydraulic fluidconnectors with high accuracy during engagement.
  • the fluid coupler 10 may allow alignment of fluidconnectors in order to establish a reliable and leak free connection.
  • the first connector member 14 carrying a fluidconnector 40 may be radially displaced in any direction and/or pivotably displaced. This may allow the fluidconnector 40 and the corresponding fluidconnector to engage smoothly so as to reduced potential wear.
  • the first connector member 14 may be separated from the hydraulic hose entry ports as the fluid circuit is depressurized.
  • references signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the technical features as described above or on the scope of any claim elements.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Coupleur hydraulique (10) pour l'enclenchement aligné de raccords hydrauliques (40, 76), le coupleur hydraulique (10) comportant :
    une pièce de soutien (12), le coupleur hydraulique étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre
    une première pièce de raccordement flottante (14) logée dans la pièce de soutien (12) et pouvant s'enclencher avec une seconde pièce de raccordement(74) ; et
    une pièce formant piston (16) apte à coulisser axialement dans la pièce de soutien (12) vers la première pièce de raccordement (14), la pièce formant piston (16) étant actionnable pour pousser la première pièce de raccordement (14) jusqu'à ce qu'elle vienne en butée contre la pièce de soutien (12) de façon que la première pièce de raccordement (14) ne puisse pas bouger radialement ni pivoter par rapport à la pièce de soutien (12).
  2. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon la revendication 1, comportant un intervalle d'alignement (52) entre la pièce de support (12) et la première pièce de raccordement (14) pour permettre un mouvement flottant de la première pièce de raccordement (14).
  3. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la première pièce de raccordement (14) est mobile radialement par rapport à la pièce de soutien (12).
  4. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la première pièce de raccordement (14) peut pivoter par rapport à la pièce de soutien (12).
  5. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant un élément compressible (60) placé entre la pièce de support (12) et la première pièce de raccordement (14) pour faire revenir la première pièce de raccordement (14) en position neutre après qu'elle s'est dégagée de la seconde pièce de raccordement (74).
  6. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la première pièce de raccordement (14) comprend le raccord hydraulique (40) monté dans une douille (42) de raccord hydraulique.
  7. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la pièce formant piston (16) est apte à pivoter dans la pièce de soutien (12).
  8. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon la revendication 7, comportant un joint d'étanchéité (64) de piston placé entre la pièce formant piston (16) et la pièce de soutien (12) et conçu pour permettre le pivotement de la pièce formant piston (16).
  9. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant un joint d'étanchéité d'appui (62) disposé entre la pièce formant piston (16) et la première pièce de raccordement (14).
  10. Coupleur hydraulique (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la pièce de soutien (12) comprend une plaque de support (32) montée sur une cartouche (18) de raccord hydraulique.
  11. Procédé pour enclencher des raccords hydrauliques (40, 76) avec un bon alignement, le procédé étant caractérisé par les étapes de :
    introduction d'une première pièce de raccordement (14) dans une pièce de soutien (12) ;
    enclenchement de la première pièce de raccordement (14) avec une seconde pièce de raccordement (74) ;
    mise sous pression d'un circuit hydraulique pour faire coulisser axialement une pièce formant piston (16) dans la pièce de soutien (12) vers la première pièce de raccordement (14) ; et
    poussée sur la première pièce de raccordement (14) jusqu'à ce qu'elle vienne en butée contre la pièce de soutien (12) de façon que la première pièce de raccordement (14) ne puisse pas bouger radialement ni pivoter par rapport à la pièce de soutien (12).
  12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la première pièce de raccordement (14) peut bouger radialement ou pivoter lorsque la première pièce de raccordement (14) s'enclenche avec la seconde pièce de raccordement (74).
  13. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans lequel la pièce formant piston (16) est apte à pivoter lorsque la première pièce de raccordement (14) s'enclenche avec la seconde pièce de raccordement (74).
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la pièce formant piston (16) poussant la première pièce de raccordement (14) comprime un joint d'étanchéité d'appui (62) disposé entre la pièce formant piston (16) et la première pièce de raccordement (14).
EP10194960.0A 2010-12-14 2010-12-14 Coupleur de fluide Active EP2466181B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10194960.0A EP2466181B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2010-12-14 Coupleur de fluide
EP11171788.0A EP2466182B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2011-06-28 Procédé d'alignement de connecteurs de fluides
PCT/EP2011/072548 WO2012080213A1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2011-12-13 Raccordement pour fluide
CN201180065469.8A CN103314243B (zh) 2010-12-14 2011-12-13 流体联接器
US13/989,767 US20140096355A1 (en) 2010-12-14 2011-12-13 Fluid coupler

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10194960.0A EP2466181B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2010-12-14 Coupleur de fluide

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2466181A1 EP2466181A1 (fr) 2012-06-20
EP2466181B1 true EP2466181B1 (fr) 2015-09-09

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EP10194960.0A Active EP2466181B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2010-12-14 Coupleur de fluide
EP11171788.0A Active EP2466182B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2011-06-28 Procédé d'alignement de connecteurs de fluides

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EP11171788.0A Active EP2466182B1 (fr) 2010-12-14 2011-06-28 Procédé d'alignement de connecteurs de fluides

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Country Link
US (1) US20140096355A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP2466181B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN103314243B (fr)
WO (1) WO2012080213A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015076902A2 (fr) 2013-09-09 2015-05-28 United Technologies Corporation Coupleur hydraulique de sortie de réservoir
CN109531611A (zh) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-29 西南石油大学 一种控制接头自动更换装置
US11453993B2 (en) 2019-06-17 2022-09-27 Caterpillar Inc. Quick coupler with hydraulic coupling manifold
US11053660B2 (en) 2019-06-17 2021-07-06 Caterpillar Inc. Coupling assembly and method of hydraulically coupling to a tool

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE434043A (fr) *
US1117762A (en) * 1913-02-25 1914-11-17 Albert M Barcus Coupling for hose and the like.
US1830674A (en) * 1929-09-13 1931-11-03 Alemite Corp Lubricating apparatus
US2712458A (en) * 1950-06-05 1955-07-05 Lipson Leonard Pipe couplings
US3195930A (en) * 1963-09-20 1965-07-20 Robert J Ascherl Device for coupling a charging apparatus to a reactor nozzle
US4296952A (en) * 1979-07-30 1981-10-27 Aeroquip Corporation Rotary joint
US4709726A (en) 1987-02-17 1987-12-01 Ferranti Subsea Systems, Inc. Hydraulic coupler with floating metal seal
US5118140A (en) * 1991-08-09 1992-06-02 Ramer Products, Inc. Tool for smooth wall tubes
NO306416B1 (no) * 1998-03-26 1999-11-01 Norske Stats Oljeselskap Roterende koplingsanordning med kompenseringsenhet
US6305720B1 (en) * 1999-03-18 2001-10-23 Big Inch Marine Systems Remote articulated connector
DE20214631U1 (de) * 2002-09-20 2004-02-19 Voss Automotive Gmbh Adapter-Zwischenring für ein Einschraubteil eines Fluid-Stecksystems
FR2882803B1 (fr) * 2005-03-02 2007-04-20 Staubli Faverges Sca Raccord rapide pour la jonction de deux canalisations d'acheminement d'un gaz sous pression

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012080213A1 (fr) 2012-06-21
CN103314243B (zh) 2016-06-15
CN103314243A (zh) 2013-09-18
US20140096355A1 (en) 2014-04-10
EP2466182B1 (fr) 2014-02-26
EP2466182A1 (fr) 2012-06-20
EP2466181A1 (fr) 2012-06-20

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